I'm looking at a restored 1940 Ford Convert this weekend, deals 99% done just want to see the bottom side on a hoist. Did they only come with a 85hp 221 cubic inch flathead? what would be the best aluminum head other than Arduns to convert to. Some cam suggestions if you got em also. thanks, (edit I forgot to mention the car is from a private collection and was an expensive frame off restoration about 6 or 7 years ago. With very little if any miles driven since then.
Do a search on here for "flathead heads" there are several available from $500.00 a set to $1000.00 a set. The Ardun set costs around $13,500.00 and I don't believe they're made of aluminum. (Edit OOOPS they are I stand corrected) Yes the Ford only came with 221 cu/in at 85HP.
Yes, Arduns are made of aluminum. Go pick up a set. Brand new heads that are good are Edelbrocks, or Navarro, and the Barrons look cool too. I think a Potvin 3/8 cam sounds great.
Call H&H Flatheads or goto www.flatheads-forever.com great people. Here's the heads I got from them. Uses the original head studs as well. If they're good. Next I want to do a dual carb intake.
1940 could be a V8-60 but it probably isn't. I would guess the owner would have pointed out a 60. Fairly easy to ID even if you are not familiar with flatheads.
Respectfully, I wouldn't worry too much about the heads at this point. There are many things unique to the convertible that I would be focusing on. The frame, trim, etc. are unique to the convert and different from the other styles. Make sure you are getting the right parts.
Thanks Aquaroscoe good pointer, though not completely new to cars or hotrods, just new to flathead V8 stockers. I forgot to mention the car is from a private collection and was an expensive frame off restoration about 6 or 7 years ago. With very little if any miles driven since then. What is the easyiest way to identify the different model engines...?<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Go to FLATHEADV8.COM (www.flatheadv8.com) and click on Engine Identification link for lots of good info on which flathead V8 you have. We also have the basic engine and torque specs up there.
Can't say "never"- but I doubt any Converts came with the lowly 60. We had a Coupe with one- it couldn't get out of its own way.
Update: well I got the car home 221/85hp.. so much for the 6 or 7 year resto.. it's sat for that, was resto'd in the mid 90's but I like it all the same. I'm thinking 4" dropped axle, Big-n-Littles, Suggestion's: wide whites with tan smoothies & caps & rings or tan wire rims with polished spokes, any feed back? Haven't decided on the engine yet... which of the aftermarket heads runs the coolest on the street? also now thinking about a 2speed rear might like to drive this to Cali.. from the NW this coming summer.
That's a nice looking car. You won't be able to tell much difference from any of the aftermarket heads. Be wary of used heads. The Columbia would be a very desirable option on that convertible...get as complete a setup as you can afford and have it bullet-proofed by one of the Columbia gurus.
Since you asked (always dangerous) I think your spoke idea would be very bad. Especially the polished spoke variety. Be careful, they are one of the best looking cars you can get so don't try to 'improve' too much. What's so wrong with the stock wheels?
What a beautiful car.The wheels that are on it are sweet.Maybe you should have two sets of big and littles and change the look with your mood.With a car that nice either of the choices you mentioned are going to look very cool.
When I bought my '40 Coupe 11 years ago it was a lot like yours.Older restoration with a fresh stock 221".I did the Eddie Meyer heads and intake with 2 Stromberg 81's.Mild cam,Fenton headers , bearing not bushing water pumps and pressure oil system.My car runs cool all the time and with the Columbia rear end can drive down the road.......Your '40 looks very nice and I hope to see it at some of the NW events..........Z.D.
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